Every year, I grow zucchini in the garden. It's usually just one plant, but I always have a ton of zucchini.  I have had to get creative with new ways of using this abundant veggie.

I have made a lot of zucchini bread in the past, but I wanted to try a new variation.  After a trip to a wonderful local spice shop (Penzeys in West Hartford), I thought I'd try anise instead of cinnamon in the recipe. I know you either love anise or hate, but I LOVE it!

Side Note: Penzeys is a cool spice shop to bring a child.  They have a smelling sample jar for each spice in the shop. If you're talking to your kids about their senses (especially the sense of smell) it's a great place to explore that. They also have a kid corner with coloring activities.

Zucchini Muffins With Anise

1 1/2 c flour

1 TBSP ground anise, plus a pinch or two

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 egg

1 c sugar

1 c shredded zucchini

1/4 c oil

1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350.  Mix the sugar, oil, egg, and zucchini in a large bowel. Add the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into lined (or greased) muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes. Check for doneness.  Enjoy!

This goes really well with tea. If you can't get enough of that licorice flavor (and happen to be nursing), I recommend Mother's Milk Tea to go with it. 

Since becoming a mother, I have wanted to write a blog for new moms, documenting my experiences so others wouldn’t copy my mistakes or so they could replicate what worked. 

My first month of motherhood could be summed up as “a haze.”  I don’t remember all of it.  I was a walking zombie. 

Everyone tries to prepare you for how little sleep you will get, but nothing, I mean NOTHING can prepare you.  Even reading this now, you’re probably thinking, “I can handle it.  I pulled plenty of all-nighters back in college.”  To this I say THINK AGAIN.  Nothing can prepare you. 

But, fear not!  It gets better!  Much better!  The first smiles and gurgles wake you up from that haze I mentioned before.  Suddenly, you realize what you already knew but were too tired to acknowledge- You have an amazing, happy, loving little human who adores you.  Every smile you send their way can make their day.  Every story you tell and book you read impacts them in a big way. 

I love being a mother!  I hope that you find my blog helpful, informative, funny at times, and I encourage you to comment and leave your own experiences.  I would love for this page to become a meeting of the minds of moms.